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Davidson Parkway: WCML 1980s - 2000s OO Gauge


Patriot87003
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  • RMweb Gold

With the new Yard 3 constructed and working well, attention has turned to upgrading Yard 2. This was an 8 road dead-end sidings with a spur to several loco sidings. The winter project upgrades Yard 2 to become through sidings, with a new ladder of turnouts at the B end, that leads to a curve and connection to the new Yard 3. This should give plenty of additional operational flexibility and interest, allowing loco’s to be released, loco changeovers, ability to turn round rakes, also ability to haul each rake up the gradient to the main layout above.


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This picture shows a ‘before’ of Yard 2 with the dead-end sidings. A section of track from the left hand siding already removed.


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The picture above shows the old control panel for the old confirmation for the yard. The loco sidings were a bolt-on/afterthought upgrade! Hence the isolation switches are a bit rudimentary!


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This picture shows the progress with the track so far; four new turnouts laid and tested to make sure of smooth alignment and running. 

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The new control panel has been constructed from 3mm ply, with the plan printed onto paper then spray mounted and wrapped then sealed using clear stick back plastic sheet. Switches have been installed ...


 

Unfortunately I’m going to have to lose loco siding 8 due to a conflict of space with a point motor! It’s not a major problem as I’ve gained 7 new loco sidings connected to Yard 3. So a slight modification to the panel required before the next job of swapping the control panels and re-wiring, then wiring the point motors, relays and diode matrix.

 

The next job following that will be constructing the baseboard for the curve that links Yard 2 and 3 to allow through running.

 

 

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  • RMweb Gold

Work has progressed and the baseboard for the curve that will connect Yard 2 and Yard 3 has been constructed and installed.

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Meanwhile, seeing that Hornby’s HM6000 wireless DC controller and App was about to be released distracted me in recent days. After some research, I ordered a HM6000 along with the P9100 transformer with UK plug and both arrived yesterday. I was laid low yesterday with a few side effects from the first dose of the jab, but they soon faded and I’ve installed and tested the HM6000 this evening .... Very impressed!

 

I found it easy to setup (especially if you follow the YouTube tutorial step-by-step clips), the sounds are quite wide ranging and a decent novelty factor, but best of all the controllability of the test loco was much better than anticipated. I took a few pics ...


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The first shows what you get ... well packaged, I was surprised by how small the actual HM6000 is ... not much larger than the transformer plug. Two pairs of wires exit the HM6000; one for Track 1 and another for Track 2. Also included is a quick-start instruction sheet along with the electrical compatibility info.

 


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One part of the quick start guide has a template for screw hole positions (if required) for mounting ... I used a bradawl to mark a hole for the screws.

 


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After driving two screws, I mounted the unit and inserted the power from the P9100 transformer and first success ... a red light!

 


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My existing control panel is a fixed position using two x 4 track Gaugemaster panel controllers. My layout uses cab control principles ... with the layout split into 12 sections (power districts), with rotary switches matching cabs 1 to 6 to each of the 12 sections. Cab 7 only controls the depot, while Cab 8 is for the test track or lower fiddle yard. When designing the control panel approx 14yrs ago, I included DPDT switches for each section to allow provision for switching to DCC at some stage ... alas, not occurred yet! 


While the fixed-position control panel has worked very well so far, at times I have wished I had the flexibility to control a train or two from around the shed, either for different viewpoints ... or testing different areas ... or more recently for filming since I’ve began to load a few videos of the layout onto YouTube. 

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To create additional flexibility ... I’ve inserted two new DPDT switches to allow me to switch Cabs 5 and 6 between using the traditional fixed position controllers, or using the new HM6000. I’ve not labelled the switches yet ... but this evenings tests worked perfectly.

 


Speed control is simple by dragging the slider, while the direction control along with brake and stop and the various sounds are touch buttons. Very impressed!

 


My shed is fitted with a sound bar ... and as that’s connected to my IPad via Bluetooth, then the sounds from the HM6000 App come through loud and clear via the sound bar .... potentially VERY loud! The background Electric noise does sound a bit like a washing machine though ... a shame it’s not the roar or humm of a Class 85 or 87! Perhaps a future upgrade of the App could expand the range of sounds?! 

 

In the meantime, it certainly adds ‘play’ value to many DC/Analogue layouts/train sets and hopefully it will appeal to the younger I-device generation as well and attract new people to the hobby. For me, the big win is now being able to control 2 cabs reliably from anywhere in my shed ... and so far so good. Overall, well done to Hornby for this innovation.

 

Back to completing the Yard 2 and 3 project, especially with the finish line in sight ... but it’s tempting to play with the App! Meanwhile I’m resisting the new and impressive Heljan 86/0’s ... but saving and looking forward to the 86/4’s and 86/6’s hopefully later this year!

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • RMweb Gold

I’ve completed the construction of two boards that connects Fiddle Yards 2 and 3 to form a reverse loop to/from the ramp up to the main layout. Both of these boards lower to allow easier access around the shed and layout. As an added challenge, both boards have turnouts upon them! I’ve carried out some testing and very pleased with the reliability so far. A few pictures below ...


This picture shows Yard 2 to the left with the curve around to Yard 3 to the right. Each side of the flip board has heavy duty alignment barrel bolts that maintain horizontal and vertical position, while an adjustable latch locks the board in position and maintains lateral alignment. Three turnouts are on this board; two point motors are attached directly while one wouldn’t fit so is surface mounted.

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This picture shows the board in the lowered position. I’ve installed a block of wood at the base of a shelf to allow the board to be stored securely using one of the barrel bolts.

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Each track joint has used the ModelTech ProTrack Rail Aligner .... very impressed! Easy to install and solder to, they have pre-drilled holes in each sleeper to hold in place to the baseboard, while the teeth give additional alignment security. 

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A view of Yard 2 showing the four pairs of rail aligners in place at the hinged joint to the bridge board.

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A view of the curve that connects Yards 2 and 3. This still gives me good access to the plug sockets etc. I’ve also attached the sound bar to the wall ... great to crank up the music while working, but with the HM6000 quite fun to try the sounds!D89FF0C6-B16E-486A-AB48-5C44300032D4.jpeg.ae5636c0bf2e668bde86750abc479c1d.jpeg


At the other end of the curve is another board that lowers that joins the B end of Yard 3. One turnout is located on this board.

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The picture below shows this board in its lowered position. Another block of wood attached to a baseboard leg allows the board to be stored securely.
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I’ve completed the wiring of the curve and board that joins Yard 3 ... next job is wiring the B end of Yard 2 and tidying the wires, then the two large shelves can be installed under Yard 3 before a tidy-up of the shed.

 

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  • RMweb Gold

I’ve completed the wiring of the B end of Yard 2. This includes 8 point motors (via a diode matrix), gaugemaster relays (frog polarity and LED indicators for the control panel), dropper wires for the track feeds, also the control panel LED’s.

 

The control panel for Yard 2 is below ... each LED is bi-colour and now automatically change to show the current route set, indicated by showing green. The toggle switches are for the isolating sections (as my layout is currently traditional DC analogue). The modification patch can be seen to cover up the original plan to have an additional siding coming off the access line at the bottom of the panel ... alas, it didn’t fit so a revision was required even before commissioning!

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The diode matrix for the B end of Yard 2 is below ... the Lego bricks help keep the wires secure and reasonably tidy and also helped with the installation of each wire. A little bit more tidying to do ...

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I used a Gaugemaster GM500 relay for each of the 8 turnouts. I partially wired these away from the layout having screwed the relays to a bit of 2” by 1”, connecting the common wires between each relay. I then secured the board into position below the layout and wired each point. The relays change the flog polarity as well as changing the LEDs.
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With the wiring of the new Yard 3 also completed and tested, I’ve installed the two shelves underneath.

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A few more jobs to progress before I can celebrate the completion of the winter project. These include a bit more tidying of some of the wires, tidy the tools, populate the new shelves, get rid of the old storage units, then another good hoover of the floor and the layout as the project generated quite a bit of dust in recent months, then use the CMX to clean the track. I also have a little bit of fettling to do with the A end of Yard 2 as there have been one or two derailments and I’ve identified a couple of very minor alignment issues.

 

Overall, very pleased with how the project has progressed and turned out ... and with my birthday approaching, one of the new sidings is likely to be populated with a new rake! Watch this space ... 

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37 minutes ago, Patriot87003 said:

Overall, very pleased with how the project has progressed and turned out ... and with my birthday approaching, one of the new sidings is likely to be populated with a new rake! Watch this space ... 

Really excellent progress Mark.  I always enjoy your updates and also the videos on YT.  Great inspiration.  Cheers.  Vivian.

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On 12/05/2021 at 23:32, cravensdmufan said:

Really excellent progress Mark.  I always enjoy your updates and also the videos on YT.  Great inspiration.  Cheers.  Vivian.

Thanks Vivian!

 

Following completion of the Yard 2 and 3 project I’ve put together an update video and just loaded to YouTube.

 

It includes a bit more detail of the two drop-down boards, testing a rake over the joints and connecting line between Yards 2 and 3, also a cab-ride tour from/to the main layout via the upgraded yards ...

 

It also includes a teaser of two or three new rakes I have in mind for the future and on pre-order!

 

 

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  • RMweb Gold

Following completion of the project to upgrade and expand the yards, it’s made a nice change to progress a few rolling stock projects ...

 

I found this wonderful video on YouTube that has 86401 in NSE livery from 6min 20s hauling a colourful and long 15 coach parcels rake of BG’s and GUV’s.

 

As it’s been my birthday recently ... I’ve recreated a shortened 10 coach version of the rake. I sourced three cheaper GUV’s and repainted into BR Blue (just need to add the transfers) and added Hunt magnetic couplings. A few pics of the rake below ...

 

 

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I’ve also purchased the recently released Hornby IC Swallow MK3b DVT ... and oh dear! Not impressed with the light bleed, the silver window frame or the tooling imperfection on the roof! I’ve smoothed the roof and touched-up the paint, also repainted the window frame, removed the cab light and painted the inside of the cab. Below is the reassembled model ... light bleed vastly improved ... a little bit more touching-up to do.

 

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Finally, two Hornby HAA wagons were purchased some time back to extend the MGR rake. I’ve detailed these a bit to blend in with the rest of the rake ... new buffers, Hunt magnetic couplings, load fitted with real coal sprinkled on top and buffer shanks highlighted. A few other wagons have also been converted to have NEM pockets and magnetic couplings fitted.
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I’ve also given the track a good clean using the trusty CMX and Dapol cleaner in vacuum mode. Unfortunately the motor in the Dapol cleaner failed. I stripped down the unit and found a substantial amount of dust/debris had clogged the motor .... once cleaned, all working again! Having read a few articles on the forum also some other sources regarding polar v non-polar substances for cleaning, I’ve tried WD-40’s electrical contact cleaner (polar) ... and been impressed so far. No noticeable loss of traction while plenty of crud cleaned off the rails. Wheels have also been cleaned on the loco’s ... and so far so good.


The CMX and Dapol cleaner cleaning Yard 3 ...

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Just two sidings produced this amount of dust/fluff! 

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It had been two years since I last properly cleaned the layout ... so should really clean a bit more often. Some wheel sets of more heavily used loco’s have been cleaned since ... previously cleaned using 99.9% IPA ... will be interesting to see how the WD-40 contact cleaner performs over time.

 

Next jobs ... some running sessions and more testing of different rakes to/from the new yards ... some more rolling stock projects ... and a few detailing projects around the layout. I’ve also purchased 4 x CCTV cameras to show the under-layout yards from the control panel, so hoping to install them soon.

 

 

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I’ve found some time to mount the new 4 x CCTV cameras ... two installed to view each end of Yard 2, with the other two to watch Yard 3.


The cameras are a little bit fiddly to install as the actual cameras block access to the screws, so I had to disassemble then reassemble after each bracket was installed. A bit of time then taken to tweak the angles before the screws were tightened. Plenty of clearance to the stock below ... 

 

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The two cameras above Yard 2 are a different type (I think usually used for the sides of vehicles) ... installed with wiring tidied out of the way ...

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The monitor was attached to a spare bit of plywood and mounted next to the control panel ...

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The four cameras were then connected to the monitor. It has several modes of viewing, including the view below showing each of the four cameras. Each individual camera can be viewed full size on the monitor ... while pressing the mode button toggles through a few different views.

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Very pleased and this should allow me to control the lower yards without having to bend down too much to check! A bit of testing to do ... and I’m planning to install some labels or something to show the road/line numbers to help, also install uncoupling ramps on the new Yard 3, modify the location of the Yard 2 ramps and install some uncoupling ramp location markers to help position trains.

 

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1 hour ago, Matt said:

That’s pretty impressive- where did you get the CCTV from? I’ve seen inexpensive systems out there but always feared whether image quality would be any good 


Hi Matt, Many thanks ... I bought the reversing camera kit from Amazon ... it’s linked below. The kit arrives with a variety of mounting options.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/podofo-Reversing-Monitor-Waterproof-Cameras/dp/B074M7485X/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Reversing+camera+4&qid=1624564512&sr=8-3

 

I’m impressed with it so far .... despite minimal instructions, it’s easy to setup and comes with wires of good length (at least 5m to each camera). It arrives with a vehicle cigarette lighter connected to gain it’s power ... and requires a DC input voltage between 12 and 24V. I purchased a separate charger of 16.8V DC and have hard-wired it then inserted a toggle switch in the circuit to allow me to switch the power to the cameras on and off.

 

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55 minutes ago, Patriot87003 said:

I’ve recorded a new video ... a cab ride tour of the layout. It includes a few views of the new parcels rake and a trip through Yards 3 and 2.

 

 

 

This layout is incredible ... in OLE terms, IMHO probably in the top two best UK WCML style layouts out there, in terms of the whole package and detail.

 

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2 hours ago, Patriot87003 said:

I’ve recorded a new video ... a cab ride tour of the layout. It includes a few views of the new parcels rake and a trip through Yards 3 and 2.

 

 

Superb layout.
That brings back some happy 80's spotting memories. 
Burma Star was a favourite on the cross-country trains through Westbury.
Regards,
Chris.

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6 hours ago, Patriot87003 said:

I’ve recorded a new video ... a cab ride tour of the layout. It includes a few views of the new parcels rake and a trip through Yards 3 and 2.

 

 

Great video, thanks for uploading!  I particularly liked the passing MGR, a seemingly endless rake of wagons, and the overtaking 47 on a parcels train.  A lot of realism there.

 

Not forgeting the OLE of course!

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  • RMweb Gold

Thanks again for the kind comments ... and when I lived near Selhurst Depot during my younger years, Burma Star used to be a regular passing my bedroom window, so it’s nice to have a bit of the Southern region visiting the WCML!

 

One activity on the to-do list has been a refresh of some of the rolling stock rakes. My older Blue/Grey Mark 2 rake was formed of Lima coaches, some a bit scratched/damaged from some rough shunts during my younger years! I always liked the Lima Mark 2F’s ... very reliable, hardly any derailments, something about the appearance ... but with the downsides of lack of NEM pocket or close coupling, flushglazing etc. At one stage I was tempted to upgrade the Lima Mark 2F’s but since purchasing the Bachmann type when released a few years ago ... no contest!

 

I’ve assembled a new replacement Blue/Grey rake using a prototypical example from 1986 ... with Oxford Rail Mark 3’s as first class, then the Bachmann Mark 2f as standard, a BSO, a Mark 1 buffet and BG to complete the rake. One problem I had was sourcing Blue Grey TSO’s ... very rare to find these days and very expensive on EBay ... however I did purchase two at a sensible price. For the remaining three, during some research I found that BR declassified quite a few FO’s to Standard Open (SO’s) during the mid 1980s and used along the WCML before transferring to the Midland Main Line.


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I managed to find and purchase three Bachmann First Class Mark 2Fs at a sensible price and have also declassified ...  an example FO before conversion:

 


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... and the three declassified coaches after conversion (SO’s) ...


 

The ‘1’ printing from the doors were removed (although some ghosting appears in the pic ... but can hardly be seen in reality ... so I may paint over) ... following careful masking, the yellow stripe was painted over with several thin coats of rail blue ... then each coach disassembled and the first class blue stickers carefully rubbed off each window using a blunted cocktail stick.

 

I’ve not renumbered the carriages yet ... I’ll do that when I get round to adding passengers, flashing tail lamps and possibly interior lighting to the rake.


I understand BR initially kept the original 2+1 seating layout when they declassified for a few years ... before a rebuild saw high capacity seating installed before the move to the MML ... so I’ve kept the 2+1 layout for now!

 

The rake was then formed and tested around the layout after hunt elite magnetic couplings were installed ... and pleased with how the SO’s blend with the TSO’s ... simplest way being to count the windows!

 

 

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  • RMweb Gold

Hi all, hope everyone is having a good summer so far. Quite a few detailing and mini-projects have been underway … including my daughter! Two years ago she was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), her treatment was delayed due to Covid, but luckily her operation was slotted in last month and thankfully was a success. She now has a straightened back, is on the road to recovery and is at least 3 inches taller!


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Regarding the layout, I’ve painted the bases of each OLE mast and signal gantry black … took ages and a bit fiddly, needed a steady hand!


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My Heljan Class 58 had sat along a siding in the depot for some time a few years ago, unfortunately the UV light through the door window had badly faded the yellow warning panel on one end! The window now has a blind fitted to prevent any repeats (as well as help running in the dark scenes) … while the 58 had the yellow on both ends masked, primed and painted. Etched plates have also been fitted.

 

A few renumbering projects also completed, including a Hornby Class 87, 87003 Patriot …

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… also Heljan Class 86, 86260 Driver Wallace Oakes GC …

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… also Hornby Class 50, 50008 Thunderer (memories of a holiday to Paignton during 1985)

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Etched nameplates have also been fitted to a few other locos. Meanwhile, some more steel coils have been created using the Scale Model Scenery card kit. I used the Bachmann BAA coils cut in half to wrap the card around.

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Another mini project has been fitting logs to two recently purchased Hornby OTA timber wagons … each log glued and placed individually (good therapy while watching another England batting collapse!). The steel coils have been placed onto the rake of BAA and BBA’s using small blobs of blu tac to hold in place.

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  • RMweb Gold
On 19/08/2021 at 19:08, DavidMcKenzie said:

The models all look amazing and I especially like the OTAs, they look very good. But far more importantly than any of that, best wishes to your daughter and I hope she has a speedy recovery. 

 

All the best,

Dave 


Thanks Dave … my daughter is recovering well, she’s 16 so midway through the teenage years … so door-slamming has recommenced! :P Great to see your new layout progressing well …
 

On 18/09/2021 at 11:59, muddy water said:

Just been train spotting and took this photo!

Really amazing!!

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Good screenshot! :good: I do like that view down the straight and watching the trains go by when operating in ‘roundy roundy’ mode … since the last update, I’ve added plenty more figures to the layout including those two waiting at the bus stop.

 

The video that pic was taken from is linked below … also includes the first trials of raising pantographs and setting the height just below contact wire level. The video shows a running session of the 7 freight rakes that I currently have, including two fairly recent additions to form a couple of Speedlink working.

 

 

Another new arrival … a pre-order for a rake of Bachmann Mark 2F’s in Virgin livery arrived to form a typical 7 coach Cross-Country rake … lovely models!


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A RFB (Restaurant First Buffet)

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Standard Class


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Brake Second Open

 


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End details
 

 

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Since the last update, the layout had a special visitor … was only meant to be a 2 or 3 hour visit, but eventually became 6.5hrs! A very enjoyable day … and watch out for the November issue of BRM!

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The digital version of the November BRM issue is now out with the hard copy to follow in the coming days and as you may see … Davidson Parkway has made the cover page! Very surreal to see my efforts be published but very proud as well … and the issue includes a 10 page feature.


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Some additional background info; My grandparents lived next to the railway along Davidson Road (hence the current layout name) just to the north of East Croydon station. The garden overlooked Windmill Bridge Junction, where the E Croydon to Norwood Jn and London Bridge lines diverge from the lines towards Selhurst and Victoria.


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They had a decent view of Pope John Paul II train during May 1982 (hauled by 73142 Broadlands).


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My grandparents, uncle and Dad each had an interest in the railway and had some old model railways as well and the interest, along with proximity to the railway naturally passed to me! My interest in AC traction and the WCML was probably sparked during a visit to Euston to see my grandparents away on a holiday to Blackpool … including my first cab visit!

 


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Coincidentally, my parents bought a house further along Davidson Road and my bedroom overlooked Selhurst Depot! I wish the likes of Realtime Trains, RailCam and digital cameras had been around in those days!

 


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I received a Hornby HST pack one Christmas and that further lighted my own interest … my first cat seemed impressed as well!

My parents house had a reasonable sized loft that allowed a couple of train-sets to be built … including my first dabble with OLE using the clunky Hornby single wire system.

 

 

 

 

I then had a break for a few years as life took over, such as college, uni, career, sports, socialising, family etc … before the move to Derbyshire, a decent sized garden and building of a shed that now houses Davidson Parkway.

 

Hope you enjoy the article … many thanks to Andy Y for his enjoyable visit and to the BRM team.

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On 05/10/2021 at 17:39, Graham108 said:

You must have very long arms to be able to get items on and off the shelves safely


Well … I used to be a goalkeeper! Don’t know about my arm length but hand size likely to be larger than average! :D

 

I do have some handy steps as well … very useful. The scenic board is 90cm wide so not too much of a stretch.

 

 

A few months ago I did accidentally knock Prince William off the shelf (the Royal class 47!) and it landed on top of the two Dapol OLE masts below, snapped them and bent the wires! The Dapol masts are very easy to replace and the wires straightened, hooked back on and as good as new. The mishap simply clumsiness … nothing to do with reach! :good:

 

 

 

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The paper copy of the November issue of BRM is now out in the shops … very surreal seeing my layout on the cover in public!

 

Progress around the layout continues … the arrival of the Bachmann Mk2F’s also brought 6 new standard class in Intercity Swallow livery. A Hornby Mk3b DVT was upgraded to correct the QC flaws (window frames, light bleed, moulding groove issue and buffer shapes), and an Oxford Rail Mk3 buffet car was added (lower body grey repainted and window frames painted). I already had 2 first class Bachmann Mk2F 1st class carriages in Intercity Executive livery, so this now forms a typical 1990’s push-pull Mk2F rake. Westhill Wagon Works Hunt magnetic couplings have been fitted to the rake for closer coupling, also reliable push-pull operations.


The repainted buffet car now blends nicely with the Mk2F’s …

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I have also inserted coupling bars to each of the Mk3b DVT’s. This will allow some operational variety as per the prototype, including ability to have loco-haulage or Motorail hooked on. The bars are 1.5mm titanium rod bent to shape then painted matt weathered black to blend in. The picture below also shows some more weeds, vegetation and ballast have been added around the terminus area to blend the cable trunking, also the walls.

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A Bachmann Class 90 coupled up …

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The Virgin DVT’s have also been fitted with a coupling bar; a Heljan Class 86 hauling. Clearances are ok for 2nd radius curves  …

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Other work around the layout has included adding rods on the short test track / wheel cleaning track in order to trap kitchen roll or other cloth in position to allow hands-free wheel cleaning. To achieve this I cut the sleepers between the rails, drilled holes and installed three pre-bent rods. I then drilled holes in a block of wood and glued the ends of the rods into the block under the baseboard. This allows the block to be lifted up to allow kitchen roll to be slid into position then trapped in place.


The rods from above lifted up …

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The rods below the baseboard …

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The rods glued into the block of wood. This allows easy lifting and positioning … also avoids injury from any exposed rod ends!

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The block of wood lowered, with the rods at or below rail level, trapping the kitchen roll in place … (with plenty of clearance to an underside equipment of loco’s)

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The latest mini-project is installation of a new siding off Yard 2. The upgrade of the fiddle yards earlier this year identified than an additional siding could be situated directly under the ramp down from the main layout above without compromising clearances when walking around the shed.


I picked up a couple of offcuts of 10mm plywood from the local timber yard and attached them to the side of the baseboard for Yard 2. Timber supports and a couple of brackets below provide additional support to maintain cross-level. The corners of the plywood have been rounded to avoid injury!

 

A view of the additional boards …

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Another view, showing the board with the ramp directly above … while the new siding will pass the other side of the vertical supports for the baseboards above.

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Two turnouts have been installed and the plain line track laid … next job is to wire and install the point motors etc. The new siding is easily long enough to store a loco + 7 coach rake.

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I recently recorded some footage to show the DVT’s and new Bachmann Mk2’s in action … 


Next project in the shed is a bit more mundane … sorting out my magazine and football program collection!

 

 

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